Denard Robinson not yet 100 percent, will be used in multiple roles

Denard Robinson will try to rediscover what worked for him so well in his first three halves as a utility player.Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

TAMPA, Fla. -- Denard Robison's right elbow continues to improve.

But the Michigan quarterback still is not 100 percent, which indicates he will continue to be used in a utility role in the Outback Bowl on Tuesday against No. 11 South Carolina (10-2).

"We're going to try him in a variety of roles, and we'll see what he's capable of," offensive coordinator Al Borges said Friday at the Tampa Convention Center. "He's had a month to heal, so we'll see. He's going to be involved, that's for sure."

Robinson says his elbow has strengthened now that Michigan has had several weeks off, and he can now pass down field. But he's not 100 percent yet.

"I feel comfortable throwing the ball, but it's still not spinning how I want it to," he said. "But I can get the ball down the field."

That hesitation signals junior Devin Gardner will remain the full-time quarterback. And that's no problem for Michigan.

Gardner has invigorated the passing game in his four games, and brought better balance to the offense. He is 57-of-90 passing for 1,005 yards in his four games, accounting for 15 touchdowns and converting better than 60 percent of his third downs.

He played in tandem with Robinson for much of Michigan's final two games, netting mostly positive results. With five weeks to game plan, more wrinkles have been introduced and could pose problems for South Carolina.

"In the SEC, just about every quarterback can run. We haven’t played guys who run like them, but we’ll be ready for them."

Robinson has played tailback, receiver and quarterback the past two games, after missing the first two games of his career. He has not attempted a pass since injuring the elbow Oct. 27 against Nebraska.

He led Michigan in rushing each of his final two games, racking up 98 yards against Iowa and 122 against Ohio State.

The Wolverines' offense hummed with the new look, scoring touchdowns on its first six drives against Iowa and racking up 21 points in the first half against the Buckeyes.

Michigan didn't play Robinson and Gardner together much in the second half against Ohio State, though, and the offense flagged. It gained just 60 yards on 21 plays, committed three turnovers and didn't score a point.

The Wolverines lost 26-21.

Borges refused to talk about the game, saying "I don't want to talk about Ohio State. ... That was a month ago, guys. Let's move on."

But it's clear he plans to go back to the Robinson/Gardner offense that was so productive for six quarters.

"It’s another headache for the defense," South Carolina senior linebacker Shaq Wilson said. "It’s just another weapon for them. ... They’re going to try to run the ball and pound you, a lot like LSU does.

"They run a lot of playaction and try to get the ball deep now. They have a really balanced offense with those guys."